Responsibilities You will participate in the project Human Olfaction at the Intersection of Language, Culture and Biology funded by a Vici grant from the Netherlands Organization for Scientific Research (NWO).

Philosophers, biologists and anthropologists alike have claimed that humans are limited in their sense of olfaction: olfactory experiences seem to be “ineffable”, difficult or even impossible to put into words. But there is recent evidence from non-Western societies and expert populations that challenges this view. Within this project, a team of researchers will investigate olfactory language and cognition in different cultural settings, including small-scale, lesser-known language communities.

You will do field work in a non-Indo-European language in order to investigate both olfactory language and cognition. You are expected to be an active member of the research group. As part of the project, you are expected to perform linguistic documentation work, as well as conduct experiments in the field. You will publish peer-reviewed articles, culminating in a PhD dissertation and you will also present your results at conferences and workshops.

What we expect from you You should:• hold a Master’s degree in Linguistics, or equivalent;• excel academically, as evidenced by grade transcripts and curriculum vitae;• have a strong commitment to linguistic documentation;• have a strong commitment to interdisciplinary research;• have experience with fieldwork in a non-Indo-European language;• have an excellent command of spoken and written English;• be able to review literature critically;• be able to solve problems creatively;• have excellent organizational skills;• have excellent social skills;• have the ability and work in a team;• wish to pursue an academic career;• have knowledge of experimental and elicitation methods (desirable, but not necessary).

What we have to offer We offer you: - employment: 1,0 fte; - a maximum gross monthly salary of € 2,612 based on a 38-hour working week; - in addition to the salary: an 8% holiday allowance and an 8.3% end-of-year bonus; - the gross starting salary is € 2,042 per month, based on a 38-hour working week; - duration of the contract: 18 months with the possibility of extension by 2.5 years; - you will be classified as a PhD student (promovendus) in the Dutch university job-ranking system (UFO).

Other Information You must be able to begin work by September 1st 2013.

Applications Are you interested? To apply for this position, please send the following documents in English and in PDF-format:a motivation letter, curriculum vitae proof of your Master’s degree, including grade transcripts if you have not yet completed your degree by the time of application, please provide a statement from your supervisor confirming the expected date of completion, an academic writing sample in English (e.g. journal article, Master’s thesis) and two letters of recommendation.

It is Radboud University Nijmegen's policy to only accept applications by e-mail. Please send your application, stating vacancy number 23.03.13 , to vacatureslet.ru.nl, for the attention of drs. L.J.P.M. van Mosseveld, before 29 March 2013. For more information on the application procedure: +31 24 3612916